A ranked, research-backed roundup of the best BJJ Fanatics judo instructionals for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including who they fit, strengths, drawbacks, and reliable sources.
The Judo Academy
A complete, BJJ-ready judo system that builds reliable stand-up and connects cleanly to ground control.
Judo Basics
Fundamentals-focused judo that gives you safe, repeatable stand-up for gi BJJ.
Mastering No Gi Takedowns
Turn judo into no-gi takedowns using clinch grips, simple kuzushi, and footsweeps that survive scrambles.
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🥋 #1 The Judo Academy by Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Instructor: Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Grip first, throw safely
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Osoto Gari, Uchi Mata
- The Takedown Blueprint – Similar duo with a tighter focus on stand-up structure.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Best if you mostly compete or train no-gi.
- American Judo System: The Ashi Waza Encyclopedia – Deep dive if you want dominant foot sweeps.
You learn kumikata (grip fighting), kuzushi (off-balancing), and how to finish osoto gari, ouchi gari, ippon seoi nage, uchi mata, and sumi gaeshi so you land in side control or mount. Volume 4 covers judo-style ground work including over-under passing and the kimura. BJJ World notes this is “a perfect set if you are looking for a great introduction to judo fundamentals,” and the opposite-side attack coverage in Volume 3 fills a gap almost every other judo instructional ignores.
✅ Pros
- Coherent system that links kumikata to entries to finishes, with clear same-side and opposite-side sequences.
- Volume 3 covers opposite-stance attacks (sumi gaeshi, uchi mata, foot trips) that most judo instructionals skip entirely.
- Volume 4 ground follow-ups (over-under pass, kimura) connect throws directly to BJJ scoring positions.
⚠️ Cons
- Assumes you know terms like kuzushi and kumikata. Shintaro Higashi’s Judo Basics explains these from zero.
- Production feels dated compared to Shintaro Higashi’s newer releases and Danaher’s Feet to Floor series.
- No-gi adaptations are limited. For dedicated no-gi, Travis Stevens’ Mastering No Gi Takedowns is the better pick.
💡 I rank this first because it covers the full pathway from first grip to control with minimal risk, which is exactly what most BJJ athletes need. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Judo Basics by Shintaro Higashi
Instructor: Shintaro Higashi
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 8 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Grip paths solve chaos
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Right Vs Left Stance, Combinations
- Low Risk Judo Throws for BJJ - If you want even safer, BJJ-friendly throwing concepts.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns - Pair with a no-gi adaptation course.
You learn stance battles, grip sequences, and clean entries for kouchi gari, ouchi gari, and combination attacks. Higashi is a 6th-dan judo black belt and BJJ brown belt who holds US National Championship titles (2007, 2011). His central philosophy: skip high-risk hip throws like uchi mata and focus on low-risk foot sweeps and trips that can be applied repeatedly without exposing your back. Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts) echoes this, specifically warning BJJ players against using seoi nage because of the back exposure risk.
✅ Pros
- Simplifies right-vs-left stance matchups with specific grip sequences for each scenario.
- Compact lessons covering direct attacks (ouchi gari, osoto gari) and misdirection combinations.
- Drilling structure ties concepts to live movement. Higashi himself writes: "Everything is built for clarity and immediate use."
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only. For no-gi, Higashi has separate No-Gi Judo Throws and No Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips instructionals.
- Assumes you know basic judo terminology like kuzushi and ashi waza.
- No newaza (ground transitions). Pedro and Stevens' Judo Academy covers throw-to-ground chains that this set lacks.
💡 I rate it highly because many BJJ athletes need a dependable stand-up foundation more than exotic throws, and this delivers that quickly. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Mastering No Gi Takedowns by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Create kuzushi without fabric
Techniques: Overhook Series, Russian Tie, Footsweeps
- The Takedown Blueprint - More grip theory if you plan to add gi later.
- American Judo System: The Osoto-Gari Encyclopedia - Deep dive on a key throw you see in no-gi clinches.
Travis Stevens (Olympic silver 2016, BJJ black belt under John Danaher) shows you how to recreate judo's kuzushi using overhooks, underhooks, and Russian ties instead of lapel grips. Part 2 covers harai goshi, tai otoshi, and ouchi gari from the underhook. Part 3 adds ko soto gari, foot sweeps, and overhook throws. Stevens told BJJee: "When doing BJJ, I use wrestling much more than Judo" - and this honest self-assessment shows in the instructional, which blends both disciplines rather than forcing pure judo onto no-gi.
✅ Pros
- It makes judo work in no-gi with clear grips.
- The curriculum flows from ties to takedowns to finishes.
- High value if you compete in ADCC-style rule sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Less theory than Danaher's Feet to Floor series, which connects every takedown to guard passing in 3 volumes (but costs $197+ per volume).
- Moves fast and expects some judo background. For beginners, Rick Hawn's No Gi Takedowns Made Easy is more accessible.
- No dedicated grip fighting section, which is ironic given Stevens' gripping expertise. His separate Scientific Gripping Systems covers that gap.
💡 I put this top-three because most BJJ gyms spar no-gi weekly, and this course answers the lapel problem cleanly. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #4 Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki
Instructor: Fernando Yamasaki
Style: Conceptual, Drill Heavy, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Grip, move, then throw
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Kuzushi, Kouchi Gari
- Judo for Jiu Jitsu - Another gi-first curriculum with more throw variety.
- The Judo Academy - If you want a more complete stand-up plus ground plan.
You learn how to establish, break, and recover grips using specific footwork patterns tied to kouchi gari and trip entries. At $47, it is the most affordable option on this list and fills a genuine gap: most BJJ athletes lose the standing exchange before they even attempt a throw, and this course addresses that problem directly. Grip fighting (kumikata) is where judo matches are won, and this transfers directly to gi BJJ.
✅ Pros
- Clear emphasis on the most decisive stand-up battle: grips.
- Footwork and timing drills reduce injury risk when throwing.
- Priced well for the value if you are starting stand-up.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only. Travis Stevens' Scientific Gripping Systems covers grip fighting with more BJJ integration.
- No throw-to-ground transitions. You will need a separate resource for what happens after the takedown lands.
- Presentation is slower-paced than Higashi's or Stevens' releases. BJJ World rates Ishii's grip fighting set at 7/10 and calls it "sometimes boring" despite covering important material.
💡 I moved this up because better grips raise every takedown percentage, and this course is dedicated to that skill. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 New Wave Judo For BJJ by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Stance dictates entries
Techniques: Uchi Mata, Sumi Gaeshi, Okuri Ashi Barai
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns - Clearer English and more BJJ pacing.
- Judo Basics - Better entry point if you are new to judo.
Satoshi Ishii (Olympic gold 2008, youngest heavyweight champion in Olympic history) covers uchi mata, sumi gaeshi, tai otoshi, and foot sweeps (ouchi gari, kouchi gari, osoto gari) organized by standing position: collar tie, underhook, and body lock. His New Wave (Danaher) affiliation means the body lock section connects to modern no-gi BJJ meta. BJJ World notes his work "opens up new perspectives" for grapplers but describes his earlier set as "a fine starter for those on a budget or testing the waters."
✅ Pros
- Olympic gold-level mechanics on uchi mata, sumi gaeshi, and tai otoshi.
- Stance-based organization (collar tie, underhook, body lock) matches how no-gi exchanges actually start.
- Body lock attack section connects directly to modern no-gi passing meta (body lock passing).
⚠️ Cons
- Ishii's English is functional but not as clear as native speakers like Stevens or Higashi.
- Limited BJJ ground integration. His earlier No Gi Judo For Grapplers adds Z-guard passing and kimura chains but is shorter.
- At $127 it is the most expensive option. Travis Stevens' Mastering No Gi Takedowns covers similar ground for $79 with clearer instruction.
💡 I keep it mid-list because the mechanics are elite, but the delivery and integration are not for everyone. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Judo for Jiu Jitsu by Leo Leite
Instructor: Leo Leite
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Land throws into control
Techniques: Seoi Nage, Uchi Mata, Clock Choke
- Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ - If your main struggle is winning the first grip.
- Judo Basics - A fundamentals-first alternative with lots of drilling.
Leo Leite covers seoi nage, uchi mata, and clock choke transitions, with throws landing into control positions rather than scrambles. Note Stephan Kesting's warning about seoi nage in BJJ: the back exposure risk is real unless you drill the turn-in extensively. This set is gi-first with a calm teaching pace and only 2 volumes (1 hour 3 minutes total), making it compact but limited in scope compared to 4-5 volume sets.
✅ Pros
- Rare dual-expertise perspective for BJJ needs.
- Good balance between stand-up and basic ground chains.
- Clear explanations without jargon.
⚠️ Cons
- No no-gi adaptation at all. For no-gi judo, go with Stevens or Ishii.
- At 1 hour total runtime, it covers less ground than D'Aquino's 5-volume set or Pedro/Stevens' Judo Academy.
- Production is basic compared to recent BJJ Fanatics releases.
💡 I include it for learners who want a calm, fundamentals-first teacher with elite credentials on both mats. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The Takedown Blueprint by Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Instructor: Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Grips drive everything
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Kuzushi, Uchi Mata
- The Judo Academy - More complete with ground follow-ups.
- Judo Basics - Simpler starting point if you are new.
DVDs 1-2 cover osoto gari, knee osoto gari, drop seoi nage, ippon seoi nage, tomoe nage, tai otoshi, ouchi gari, sumi gaeshi, and the fireman's carry - all selected because they land you in dominant position without exposing your back. DVD 3 is the standout: it covers how to handle the wrestler, the guard puller, the stiff-armer, and the strong weightlifter. BJJ World calls it "one of the best takedown instructionals ever recorded, teaching the most effective Judo for BJJ." On Sherdog, the Pedro/Stevens Takedown Blueprint was the go-to recommendation for judo-based takedowns on BJJ Fanatics.
✅ Pros
- Covers 10+ throws selected for back-safety, with clear entries from standard grips.
- DVD 3's opponent-type sections (wrestler, guard puller, stiff-armer) are unique to this set.
- Jimmy Pedro (2x Olympic bronze, US Olympic coach) and Travis Stevens (Olympic silver) bring unmatched competitive authority.
⚠️ Cons
- Older production (pre-HD era for BJJ Fanatics). Shintaro Higashi's Low Risk Judo Throws covers the low-risk philosophy with updated production.
- Some techniques assume gi grips. For no-gi, pair with Stevens' Mastering No Gi Takedowns.
- No dedicated newaza section. The Judo Academy by the same instructors adds ground follow-ups including over-under pass and kimura.
💡 I like it for coaches who need a tight plan that students can apply within a few weeks. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 American Judo System: The Osoto-Gari Encyclopedia by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: Technique Collection, Drill Heavy
Best for: Advanced
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 57 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Details make osoto reliable
Techniques: Osoto Gari, Georgian Grip, Counters
- American Judo System: Tomoe Nage Encyclopedia - Another focused encyclopedia if you prefer sacrifice throws.
- Judo Basics - Start here if you still need fundamentals.
Eight parts covering shadow movement drills, uchikomi (drilling without finish), nage komi (drilling with finish), intermediate and advanced combinations, Georgian grip entries, and a dedicated common mistakes section. This builds osoto gari from white belt basics to Olympic-level competition strategies. BJJ World describes Travis Stevens as "perhaps the best judo teacher in the game right now." This encyclopedia proves why: the level of detail on one throw is unmatched anywhere on BJJ Fanatics or Judo Fanatics.
✅ Pros
- Unmatched depth on osoto gari: 8 parts from shadow drills to Olympic-level combinations.
- Georgian grip entries and counter-to-counter sequences you will not find elsewhere.
- Dedicated common mistakes section helps you diagnose why your osoto keeps getting stuffed.
⚠️ Cons
- Too specialized as a first purchase. Start with The Judo Academy or Takedown Blueprint, then add this once osoto is your A-game throw.
- Gi-only. Osoto gari works in no-gi too, but this set teaches exclusively from gi grips.
- At $127 for a single throw, the value calculation only works if you commit to making osoto gari a primary weapon. The Takedown Blueprint covers osoto plus 9 other throws for $79.
💡 I include it as a specialist tool: if you make osoto your A-game, this can pay off big in scoring and control. Recommendation: Skip.
How to choose a judo-for-BJJ instructional (fast)
Decide format first. If you train mostly no-gi, start with Travis Stevens' Mastering No Gi Takedowns for overhook and underhook judo. For gi, The Judo Academy gives you the complete grip-to-throw-to-ground system. Beginners should avoid single-technique encyclopedias and high-risk throws like uchi mata or seoi nage (Stephan Kesting warns explicitly against seoi nage in BJJ due to back exposure). Instead, start with low-risk foot sweeps (kouchi gari, ouchi gari) and sacrifice throws (tomoe nage, sumi gaeshi). BJJ Fanatics runs 40-60% off Daily Deals regularly, so watch for those before buying at full price. Coach Firas Zahabi endorsed Rick Hawn's no-gi judo work as "more than impressive" for translating judo to no-gi, so Hawn's set is another strong budget option if you see it on sale.
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